Good morning from The National on December 5, 2025.
Here is your digest of what is making the headlines in the Emirates.
Thousands of tribesmen took part in the Union Parade. Antonie Robertson / The National
Thousands of Emiratis marched together as "one tribe" to celebrate the country's deep-rooted cultures and traditions at the Union Parade.
The annual spectacle, held in Abu Dhabi's Al Wathba as part of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, brought together thousands of tribesmen in a show of patriotic pride.
The colourful parade was a fitting finale to the UAE's Eid Al Etihad festivities and was attended by President Sheikh Mohamed, crown princes, ministers and other dignitaries.
“Here you can see tribes from the mountain, desert and sea areas," said Turki Al Dhuhoori, 50, who attends the national gathering each year.
"They represent the different terrains of our beloved country. We are one fabric under one flag.”
Read Ali Al Shouk's full report from Al Wathba here
A transport plan is in place to ensure smooth travelling during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Victor Besa / The National
Transport bosses are in a good position to help ensure smooth travel for race-goers at this weekend's title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
More than 3,000 taxis, 80 buses and a fleet of autonomous vehicles will hit the roads under a comprehensive transport action plan aimed at keeping the sporting spectacle on track for success.
The Integrated Transport Centre will use “all necessary resources” for the long race weekend, which includes practice sessions and concerts in the build-up to the main event at Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday.
The centre will also use AI-powered drones to monitor traffic and respond to congestion.
People of all ages are being urged to become more active under a major Abu Dhabi health drive. Victor Besa / The National
Abu Dhabi is putting fitness first under a major drive to boost the health of the emirate for generations to come.
The capital on Thursday launched the inaugural Festival of Health, a series of family-friendly activities aimed at keeping people on the move and promoting well-being and positive lifestyles.
Citizens and residents are being invited to take part in free fitness sessions, nutrition workshops and well-being consultations at events being held this month in Al Dhafra, Al Ain and Hudayriyat Island.
“Community health begins with awareness, daily routines and the support of a strong environment," said Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, undersecretary of Abu Dhabi's Department of Health. "With the recent approval of Abu Dhabi’s Healthy Living Strategy, this Festival offers a timely opportunity to bring its goals to life for our community."
The UAE is seeking to produce 60 trillion AI tokens to become the world's "factory of intelligence". Read more on the bold plans from Alvin R Cabral here
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The language of diplomacy in 1853
Treaty of Peace in Perpetuity Agreed Upon by the Chiefs of the Arabian Coast on Behalf of Themselves, Their Heirs and Successors Under the Mediation of the Resident of the Persian Gulf, 1853
(This treaty gave the region the name “Trucial States”.)
We, whose seals are hereunto affixed, Sheikh Sultan bin Suggar, Chief of Rassool-Kheimah, Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon, Chief of Aboo Dhebbee, Sheikh Saeed bin Buyte, Chief of Debay, Sheikh Hamid bin Rashed, Chief of Ejman, Sheikh Abdoola bin Rashed, Chief of Umm-ool-Keiweyn, having experienced for a series of years the benefits and advantages resulting from a maritime truce contracted amongst ourselves under the mediation of the Resident in the Persian Gulf and renewed from time to time up to the present period, and being fully impressed, therefore, with a sense of evil consequence formerly arising, from the prosecution of our feuds at sea, whereby our subjects and dependants were prevented from carrying on the pearl fishery in security, and were exposed to interruption and molestation when passing on their lawful occasions, accordingly, we, as aforesaid have determined, for ourselves, our heirs and successors, to conclude together a lasting and inviolable peace from this time forth in perpetuity.
Taken from Britain and Saudi Arabia, 1925-1939: the Imperial Oasis, by Clive Leatherdale
Daily cash awards of $1,000 dollars will sweeten the Madrasa e-learning project by tempting more pupils to an education portal to deepen their understanding of math and sciences.
School children are required to watch an educational video each day and answer a question related to it. They then enter into a raffle draw for the $1,000 prize.
“We are targeting everyone who wants to learn. This will be $1,000 for 1,000 days so there will be a winner every day for 1,000 days,” said Sara Al Nuaimi, project manager of the Madrasa e-learning platform that was launched on Tuesday by the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to reach Arab pupils from kindergarten to grade 12 with educational videos.
“The objective of the Madrasa is to become the number one reference for all Arab students in the world. The 5,000 videos we have online is just the beginning, we have big ambitions. Today in the Arab world there are 50 million students. We want to reach everyone who is willing to learn.”
Company Profile
Company name: OneOrder
Started: October 2021
Founders: Tamer Amer and Karim Maurice
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Industry: technology, logistics
Investors: A15 and self-funded
Where to submit a sample
Volunteers of all ages can submit DNA samples at centres across Abu Dhabi, including: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), Biogenix Labs in Masdar City, NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City, NMC Royal Medical Centre, Abu Dhabi, NMC Royal Women's Hospital, Bareen International Hospital, Al Towayya in Al Ain, NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
Number of employees: 40
Sector: Online food delivery
Funding: Raised $3.2m since inception
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
ICC T20 Rankings
1. India - 270 ranking points
2. England - 265 points
3. Pakistan - 261 points
4. South Africa - 253 points
5. Australia - 251 points
6. New Zealand - 250 points
7. West Indies - 240 points
8. Bangladesh - 233 points
9. Sri Lanka - 230 points
10. Afghanistan - 226 points
The team
Photographer: Mateusz Stefanowski at Art Factory Videographer: Jear Valasquez Fashion director: Sarah Maisey Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory Model: Randa at Art Factory Videographer’s assistant: Zanong Magat Photographer’s assistant: Sophia Shlykova With thanks to Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
